Hurricane Agatha that struck the south of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador has left a wake of destruction, devastation and dead bodies. With countless families loosing lives, homes and possessions we find ourselves in the midst of great need. Having hit on 29 May 2010, shortly after the Northbound team left, the effects are still being felt with problems far from over. With the hurricane comes torrential rain causing mudslides and rockslides leaving everything in near proximity buried.
Panajachel, a town in the southwest Guatemalan highlands on the shore of Lake Atitlan, has been rather affected as well as those towns and villages nearby. With the rainy season looming the grey clouds only for spell more damage. Southbound, currently serving in the community, has this identified the need and plan to take action. With hundreds of houses being crushed under mud and rock and many still completely buried, we focus on three immediate projects that have touched our hearts – more detail to follow.
We are in full swing to rebuild roofs, walls, dig new foundations and rescue what we can of what remains We have managed to use the rocks and sand that have washed down the mountain as building material for some of the projects which has been a huge blessing in saving costs so far, so we thank God for that provision! But there are still so many people too help. So we humbly ask for yours!
How can you help? PRAY! Prayer is the most effective and needed weapon we have at this moment. This need will not go away. Panajachel experiences the effects of tropical thunder storms up to 15 times a year! So continuous pray for the lives of these people are essential and I invite you to interceded with the team!
We are also setting up a fund to assist the effected families.
International Bank Details:
Bank: ABSA
Account Name: GUATEMALA DISASTER
FUND
Account Number: 9206958383
Branch Details: 31 Da Gamma Road, Jeffreys Bay, 6330, South Africa
Branch Code: 334515
SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ (For International Payments)
We will be updating continually. Thank you for your support!!!
Sincere blessing,
Southbound 2010, Panajachel